The ITTF World Para Elite Nakhon Ratchasima 2025 takes place from 18-22 July, bringing together Paralympic medallists and world-ranked stars to Thailand’s culturally rich northeastern province. With a stellar field of competitors and passionate home support expected, this Elite event promises to deliver spectacular Para table tennis action.
Thai Contingent Ready to Shine
Thailand’s Paralympic success story from Paris 2024 continues to unfold, with several home favourites poised to captivate the Nakhon Ratchasima crowds.
Rungroj Thainiyom (M6) leads the charge as Thailand’s double medallist from Paris 2024. The experienced competitor has consistently proven his ability to perform on the biggest stages and will be eager to convert his Paralympic momentum into Elite success on home soil. His powerful attacking style and mental fortitude make him a genuine contender for gold.
Yuttajak Glinbanchuen (M3) arrives as perhaps Thailand’s most decorated current athlete, following his remarkable triple medal haul at the Paris Paralympics. The versatile player’s expertise across both singles and doubles disciplines, combined with his tactical acumen, positions him as a formidable force in what could be a dominant home performance.
Wijittra Jaion (M4) arrives as a silver medallist in mixed doubles at Paris 2024. Her precise technique and competitive spirit have established her as one of the sport’s rising stars, and competing in front of a home crowd could provide the extra motivation needed for Elite glory.
International Elite Field
The tournament boasts an exceptional international contingent led by some of the world’s best who dominated the Paralympic podium in Paris.
Giada Rossi of Italy headlines the women’s competition as the WS2 Paralympic champion and current world number one. Her explosive playing style and championship mentality have made her virtually unbeatable in recent competitions, and she arrives in Thailand as the overwhelming favourite in her class.
The Netherlands’ Kelly van Zon (WS7) represents another Paralympic champion gracing the event. As both Paris gold medallist and world number one, van Zon’s technical precision and competitive consistency have established her as the benchmark in women’s class 7. Her presence significantly elevates the tournament’s prestige.
From Korea Republic, Young-Gun Kim (MS4) brings his own golden credentials as the Paralympic champion and world number three. His methodical approach and tactical intelligence make him an incredibly difficult opponent, capable of adapting his game to counter any style of play.
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot involves the Japanese contingent in WS11. The medal-winning trio from Paris – Miya Yamaguchi, Natsuki Wada, and Kanami Furukawa – currently occupy three of the top four world ranking positions. Their internal rivalry promises compelling viewing as they battle not only international competition but each other for supremacy in one of Para table tennis’s most competitive classes.
Thailand’s Journey to Hosting Glory
This Elite event represents far more than another stop on the World Para Circuit for Thailand. It marks a crucial milestone in the nation’s preparation for hosting the sport’s most prestigious event – the ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships 2026.
Thailand’s commitment to Para table tennis excellence extends beyond athlete development to world-class event hosting. This remarkable rise to prominence can be traced back to a defining moment in 2012 when Rungroj Thainiyom captured gold in the Class 6 Men’s Singles at the London Paralympic Games. Thainiyom’s victory ignited a passion for Para table tennis in Thailand, inspiring countless individuals with disabilities to pursue the sport.
The establishment of a dedicated training camp in Nakhon Ratchasima has created a hub for nearly 90% of the country’s Para table tennis athletes, and staging an Elite event at this location represents the culmination of years of strategic investment and growth since that landmark London triumph.
Proven Hosting Excellence
Thailand has made strategic investments in hosting high-profile events, organising 13 Para table tennis tournaments over the past 12 years. The Table Tennis Association of Thailand (TTAT) has demonstrated exceptional organisational capabilities through these events, with the ITTF Paralympic World Singles Qualification Tournament 2024 in Pattaya representing the pinnacle of their hosting excellence.
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The Nong Nooch Pattaya International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICE) provided state-of-the-art facilities that earned widespread praise from athletes and officials alike. That successful event served as a crucial test run for the TTAT, proving their readiness to host elite-level international competition.
“With the para movement growing a lot, not only have we gotten more state sponsorship but also private companies are starting to pay more interest in the Para movement,” explains Maitree Kongruang, Thailand Paris 2024 Paralympic Deputy Chef de Mission and former Para table tennis athlete. This increased investment has enabled Thailand to create world-class hosting capabilities alongside their athlete development programmes.
The significance of Thailand hosting the ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships 2026 extends beyond national pride. Taking place in Pattaya, this event will coincide with the ITTF’s centennial celebrations, making it a truly historic gathering. The ninth ITTF World Para Championships will mark a century of table tennis excellence, representing the pinnacle of Para sport achievement. Held every four years since 1990, these championships have grown to deliver immense benefits to their hosts whilst attracting passionate fans from across the globe.
Thailand’s hosting journey represents more than logistical excellence – it embodies the transformative power of sport that began with Thainiyom’s London 2012 gold medal. The strong collaboration between the Paralympic Committee, the Sports Association of the Disabled, and the Thailand Table Tennis Association has been instrumental in driving both competitive success and hosting capabilities.
Each successful tournament, from local events to international championships, has built towards this historic moment – the chance to host the World Championships during the ITTF’s centennial year. Thailand is not just aiming to host but to set new standards for Para table tennis excellence, continuing their journey from underdogs to international powerhouse.
As the Para table tennis world converges on Nakhon Ratchasima this July, it represents another significant milestone in Thailand’s remarkable evolution. Thailand continues to prove they are a force to be reckoned with on every level of international Para table tennis. Catch the action live on ITTF’s YouTube from 18 April.
